Will springs kill my shocks?

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12-23-2007, 10:11 AM

#21

Gsedan35

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Quote:

Originally Posted by VIZAGE

The Blue's are only 25% better than stock. In which there still great though and I would might trying them out also. There's just so many variables.

Was this info from Ray at Tokico and under what context? 350Z oem shocks are very different throughout the years. 25% better rebound and slightly stiffer compression dampning vs 03/04 oem shocks is vastly different vs 04.5+ oem shocks. Hp's are not normally that different vs oem, which doesn't help us either.

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12-23-2007, 10:27 AM

#22

Gsedan35

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Quote:

Originally Posted by twitch579

Searced and couldnt find squat.

Well my friend says that if I get 1 inch lowering springs that my stock shocks will be shot in a little over 2 months of regular driving. He said that it destroys the stock shocks and the car will ride like ****. I also dont want to ruin my Z by doing this. Just want the car lower for looks.

Is this true? Ive been looking into a Eibach 1 inch kit, the stock ride height looks like my worst nightmare and coilovers arent in my budget. I live in florida and twisties are not popular, mainley just light to light and highway riding.

Thanks a bunch guys. -chris-

If your 04 Z has the unrevised suspension, I'd pull the shocks and replace them no matter what spring your thinking about. Though what shock you go with may matter depending on your spring choice since you don't want weak shocks with weak lowering springs since their will be less forces at play to keep you off the car's rather unforgiving bumpstops.

If you must have a 1" drop and can't live with say around a .7" drop, Prokits represent a better choice amoung other 1" drop springs because they have a higher final spring rate in comparison. Though they are progressive and I won't touch that type of spring, they likely are still a good choice for you,...IF you must have at lest a 1" drop, otherwise I would go with Tein S-tech or Hotchkis. I would run them with either D-specs, Koni's or Bilstein SP's.

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12-23-2007, 04:17 PM

#23

twitch579

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I bought the Hotchkis springs, .6 front and .8 rear.

How do I tell what 2004 I have? Does the 04.5 have different suspension?

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12-23-2007, 04:21 PM

#24

tranceformer95

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Quote:

Originally Posted by twitch579

I bought the Hotchkis springs, .6 front and .8 rear.

How do I tell what 2004 I have? Does the 04.5 have different suspension?

IIRC, the 04.5 have the knee pads on the center console.

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12-23-2007, 04:35 PM

#25

twitch579

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Yes its an 04.5. Vins last numbers are D24T162537. Thats an 04.5.

My original tranny was an CD-008 also, now im on the 009.

SO whats the deal with the suspension being different on the 04.5?

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12-23-2007, 08:58 PM

#26

VIZAGE

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Quote:

Originally Posted by Gsedan35

It was info posted from the OP link. In which it stated for the Z. So if it's not correct, they need to update there info. That's what you get from a company trying to make a buck.

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12-28-2007, 04:28 PM

#27

twitch579

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Ok Hotchkis spings installed. Will post pics in the morning. Overall the ride is totally different then stock, it feels like all the bodyroll is gone and the car feels firmer, espicially at higher speeds the car feels more planted.

As far as the drop goes, I would like it to be lower but its a hell of a lot better. Im on the stock 18's but before I could fit 4 fingers between the rear tire and the fender and now I can fit only 2. I see 19's in my future!

Do you guys think it will settle lower?

Pix tomorrow.

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12-29-2007, 11:00 AM

#28

twitch579

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http://i39.photobucket.com/albums/e1...9/DSC01369.jpg

http://i39.photobucket.com/albums/e1...9/DSC01368.jpg

http://i39.photobucket.com/albums/e1...9/DSC01367.jpg

http://i39.photobucket.com/albums/e1...9/DSC01366.jpg

Last edited by twitch579; 12-29-2007 at 11:11 AM.

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12-29-2007, 11:09 AM

#29

twitch579

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Does anyone know how to upload pictures so there not like MEGA size on the screen>??

Last edited by twitch579; 12-29-2007 at 11:13 AM.

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12-29-2007, 11:10 AM

#30

twitch579

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ALso 25mm eibach spacers are on the way for the rear.

Last edited by twitch579; 12-29-2007 at 11:12 AM.

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12-29-2007, 02:42 PM

#31

twitch579

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So no comments on the setup? ALso got a set of used 18' Ruff 278's on the way.

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12-29-2007, 03:09 PM

#32

tranceformer95

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It's really difficult with black cars to see how much they are lowered. I'm sure it looks good in person.

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12-29-2007, 04:45 PM

#33

twitch579

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Yea its real hard to tell from the picture, but before between the back tire and the fender I could fit 4 1/2 fingers, now I can only get in 2.

Do you guys think it will settle lower?? Im hoping it will.

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12-29-2007, 07:50 PM

#34

seZy350

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Quote:

Originally Posted by VIZAGE

Best cost factor! Buy a coilover kit.

i dunno, ive got tein basics on mine for about a few months now.. starting to drive like ****.. every lil bump i hit on pavement makes a loud thud..

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12-29-2007, 11:32 PM

#35

tranceformer95

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Quote:

Originally Posted by twitch579

Springs usually settle a little bit. My coilovers settled about 1/4" after a few weeks.

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12-31-2007, 09:30 AM

#36

Gsedan35

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Quote:

Originally Posted by twitch579

Yes its an 04.5. Vins last numbers are D24T162537. Thats an 04.5.

My original tranny was an CD-008 also, now im on the 009.

SO whats the deal with the suspension being different on the 04.5?

Nissan revised the oem suspension midway into 2004 production to address issues dealing with ride and drive quality, bounce and porposing.

What was changed.

Shocks: Less compression dampning and better rebound control
Springs: Front springs are the same, rear spring rates were upped 25% from 342lbs to 427lbs
Sways: Front sway bar strength was upped by 17%
Dustshields/Bumpstops: Fronts were not changed, but the rear shocks got a new dustshield and added a soft foam rubber insert in addition to the hard rubber still present in the bumpstop assembly.

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